May28, 2010

Washington, DC –
House Armed Services Committee Chairman Ike Skelton
(D-MO) released the following statement on progress
related to the realignment of U.S. Marines from
Japan to Guam reflected by the Joint Statement of
the U.S.-Japan Security Consultative
Committee:

“I am pleased that Japan
and the United States have committed to a way forward for
the realignment of U.S. Marines from Japan to Guam. I
support the two sides’ reaffirmation of commitments
regarding a Futenma replacement facility, and I am
glad to see a common-sense approach to shared objectives
involving environmental, training, land use and other
issues. Today’s joint statement on these
matters reaffirms the strength and vitality of the
U.S.-Japan alliance at a time when North Korea’s
aggression demands nothing less. I commend the
President and the Government of Japan on their efforts to
further strengthen the ties between our great
nations.”